INEOS “make contact” to sign sensational 25-yo superstar, he would put United back among Europe’s elite – report

Manchester United have taken an important step to securing a blockbuster deal for Real Madrid’s wantaway superstar Vinicius Junior, a new report claims. Miserable in Madrid Contract negotiations between Vinicius and Los Blancos have stalled this season after the 25-year-old winger had a public fallout with new manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, substituted Vinicius in the 72nd minute of Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona last month, with a report by ESPN previously revealing their relationship was “damaged”. Vinicius Junior Stats: 2025/26 CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga13542–901′ UEFA Champions League5–21–361′ Total16563–1,262′ The Brazil international reacted furiously to the decision, visibly remonstrating with his manager and storming off down the tunnel, shouting “[It’s] always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.” Vinicius issued a public apology after the match, which named the fans, his teammates, club president Florentino Perez – but, crucially, omitted Alonso. The pair appear to have moved past the incident, though noises are emanating from the Bernabeu that Alonso does not receive the full support of Los Blancos’ dressing room – with the high-profile Brazilian chief amongst these dissenters. The fact that contract talks are not progressing – Vinicius’ current deal expires in 2027 – has further opened the door to an explosive exit this summer, with United among the clubs keeping a keen eye on developments. United make contact – but should they? Caught Offside reveals the Red Devils have “made contact” with Vinicius’ representatives to establish their interest. “Vinicius has a contract with Madrid until 2027, so if they fail in their efforts to persuade him to sign a new deal, that could open the door for United and others. “MUFC have already established their interest with the player’s representatives, but it’s still too early to know for sure if it’s a deal that can realistically go anywhere. “Vinicius would, however, undoubtedly be a hugely exciting signing for United and other big clubs, with the 25-year-old also surely likely to have suitors from elsewhere in the Premier League and Europe.” However, industry sources indicate Vinicius maintains a “very good relationship” with Perez – and Madrid are “trying to keep” the Brazilian at the Bernabeu, where he is viewed as an elite player on the pitch but also an elite commodity off it. But it is incredibly unlikely United, under the rule of INEOS, would sanction a high-profile move for a player on huge wages, with a huge ego, who is presenting a huge problem for his current manager. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s chairman and United co-owner, has previously spoken about the need to “find the next Mbappe”, rather than spending big to secure already established stars. And this approach will undoubtedly rule out a move for Mbappe’s teammate in Madrid, even if Vinicius was willing to make the switch to Manchester – another far-fetched possibility. Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.